Past shows • Lennon Play in Seattle (2005) • LENNON Musical on Broadway (2005) • Off-Broadway Play: Ears on a Beatle (2004)   Click here for info on The Beatles LOVE show

 

 

John Lennon was honored in Seattle on the 25th anniversary of his death at the legendary Crocodile Café. Held on December 8, the "John Lennon Jam" was an enthusiastic night of Lennon's music and a celebration that will be long remembered.

Hosted by the Crocodile and Roseta Productions LLC, Seattle rock musicians came together to pay homage to Lennon‚s music, both the Beatles and his solo work. The "Jam" band was fronted by Rick Lovrovich (The Beatniks), and included other members Jakael Tristram (Hit Explosion) Jon Bolton (Beatniks), Gary Lanz and Johnny Jones.  Alan White (drummer for Yes, and John Lennon‚s Plastic Ono Band), a resident of this area, made a guest appearance, playing songs he originally recorded with Lennon, such as "Instant Karma", "Imagine", and "Crippled Inside". All the music, from the Beatles earliest songs, to "Starting Over", from his last album, Double Fantasy, was performed so well, you thought it was John himself.

It was an enjoyable and fitting way to spend this otherwise somber anniversary, and no doubt John would have been pleased by the tribute. Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon as well as Julian Lennon have performed at the Crocodile in years past. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Northwest Harvest Charity as well as upcoming production of the play written by Steve Roseta, "(Just Like) Starting Over."

Steve announced the production, a play about John Lennon, which will be staged at the Bathhouse Theater on Greenlake in Seattle, in September of 2006.

I asked Steve how he got the idea for this play. He said, "I purchased the full transcript of the last interview with John Lennon (RKO Radio, with Dave Sholin) for $60 on Ebay, which has never before been published in full. That interview took place a few hours before Lennon was tragically killed, and forms the basis of my play, which is about the last day of John Lennon's life. The John Lennon Jam was an opportunity to get the word out."

"The posters from the event will also be offered on Ebay with autographs of all the musicians from that night, too. The proceeds help fund the production."

According to PRWeb Press release about the play, "It is a dialogue-driven story that will make the audience feel like a fly on the wall inside the Lennons' quarters in New York's Dakota Apartments on December 8, 1980." Subjects the Lennons talk about are releasing Double Fantasy after five years of seclusion, role reversals, and the varied artistic and political stands that the two had forged. John's comments on war, terrorism, religion, race, feminism, and politics are as true today as ever.

 For more information about these events, and information about the commemorative poster, go to myspace.com/johnlennonjam, or contact Steve Roseta at 425-445-0718. The eBay bid for the poster starts Wednesday the 14th and runs for one week. The headline is "Signed John Lennon Jam‚ Limited Edition Poster." Ebay Item number: 7572908167

Dear Don Scardino, Director of LENNON,

I am a lifelong Beatles fan that has seen LENNON twice. I heard the buzz about the bad reviews the show was getting in San Francisco, but kept an open mind when I first saw it in New York. I enjoyed it so much the first time, that I went back to see it again a second time. In a span of two hours, you managed to tell the life story of John Lennon while conveying his humor, his insecurities, his talent and most importantly, his spirit. I applaud you and all the talented performers and musicians who made LENNON come to life.

Therefore, I was stunned and appalled at the amount of negative reviews the show was receiving from critics. However, on the bright side, every fan I talked to that had actually seen the show, enjoyed it as much as I did. I figured that Beatles fans were open-minded and loyal enough to go see the show and make their own decision.

With the news that the show is closing much too early, I definitely have been proven wrong. It turns out that the majority of Beatles fans are willing to believe the critics and the superficial hype instead of giving Broadway a chance. The criticism that the Beatles were left out is simply not true. Yet, Beatles fans seemed to obsess and crave a "Lennon" musical that is all about the Beatles.

It is astonishing to me that 25 years after John Lennon's death, people still refuse to acknowledge that he had a life after the Beatles. It is these same fans who blame Yoko for the Beatles breakup and resent any woman that Paul McCartney marries.

And to those who refuse to see the show because certain details were omitted or under-emphasized, I say that still does not affect the overall spirit and joy of the musical, and is certainly no reason to boycott the show.

No matter how many critics want to pick on little details to slam the show, the real fault lies with the fans. After observing the most distasteful and politically incorrect reactions from fans who had not even seen the show, I came to the realization that these people secretly wanted this show to fail.

And why? Because they don't want to see John Lennon for who he really was. Just as he tried to convince everyone, he wasn't the lovable Beatle that everyone thought. But no matter how many times he tried to convince people, they refused to believe this and as a result, years later, refused to see the LENNON musical.

I know how much time and dedication goes into creating a Broadway musical and my heart aches for the cast and crew of LENNON who worked so hard on the show. I just wanted you to know that the people who saw the show really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, our positive word of mouth could not stand a chance next to a 35 year-mindset of Beatle fans in denial.

Sincerely,

Trina Yannicos
Editor-in-Chief
Daytrippin' Magazine

Let me preface this review by saying that the LENNON cast received a standing ovation at the end of the performance.

Truthfully, it infuriates me how many Beatles fans are dismissing the LENNON musical without even seeing it first. It seems to me they are just hoping that this musical will bomb. Yes, there were bad reviews of the show when it was in previews in San Francisco, but to director Don Scardino's credit, he and his producers seemed to have listened to the feedback and, in turn, have brought a respectable and emotionally moving account of John Lennon's life and spirit to Broadway.

Yes, it's true that the Beatles represent only a small portion of the show. This seems to upset many Beatles fans. However, this musical is called LENNON and the intent is to explore John's solo work and the message he was trying to convey through his music and life AFTER the Beatles. John admitted after the Beatles broke up that he was not happy in the commercialized role and image of being a "Beatle". As shown in the Imagine movie (1988), he told one NY Times reporter, "I'm sorry you liked the old moptops, dear... and you liked 'Hard Day's Night', luv, but I've grown up..."

Beatles fans need to keep this in mind when they go see the musical--and they DEFINITELY should go see this musical. It is simply a celebration of John Lennon's solo music and his spirit. A few parts of his biography may be missing but in a two-hour Broadway musical, many details have to be minimalized or you would have a six-hour musical. Let's face it: We all know the Beatles story-- but John's perspective has never really gotten attention and focus like this. Beatles fan, Diane Pontikes, who saw the musical put it perfectly: "Some people think more should be done in depicting the Beatle years, but it is a musical about Lennon and not about the Beatles. Besides, I think that Paul and Ringo would be critical in how and who is representing them on stage. The intention would be to have as little interference as possible so it would not become a Beatle musical."

Many fans are mad at Yoko accusing her of dictating the story--emphasizing her role in John's life and disregarding other people in his life. But if you look at his music and his statements, that's what John did himself. From Two Virgins to Double Fantasy, John made Yoko the center of his life. She gave him the courage to eventually leave the Beatles and make songs and political statements on his own. No matter what happened with their relationship in the years that followed, he would always see her as his outlet for individual freedom and expression.

That said, the musical itself is wonderful. The idea of having nine different singers taking turns playing John may seem absurd, but the truth is, somehow it works. There are two main performers who do have the looks, voice and mannerisms of John down perfectly. These two men, Will Chase and Chad Kimball, could have held the role of Lennon through the entire show. But the occasional performance by the other seven actors, including three African American performers and four women, really adds a dimension to Lennon's songs that have never been presented before. While tribute concerts such as the 2001 Lennon tribute, "A Night for John Lennon's Words and Music" at Radio City Music Hall had good intentions, there was something missing in those performances. These performances by "non-Lennon" types in the LENNON musical are touching and poignant--enough that I wanted to buy the soundtrack after the show (and I usually do not like any type of Beatle/solo covers).

So my advice to Beatles fans is to go see the LENNON musical with an open mind--something John tried to convey in his songs. Do not pre-judge until you've seen it yourself. Celebrate John's music and the personal growth he went through, not as the lovable Beatle, but as a complex adult who struggled to understand himself and the world. All I am saying is... Give LENNON a chance!

"I'm sick to death of hearing things from uptight shortsighted narrow minded "LENNON" hypocritics.......all I want is the truth now, just give me some truth now."

Truth is........I went to see "LENNON" on Broadway in New York City on July 30.

The critics have been quite harsh regarding this performance, but I WANT TO TELL YOU that it was quite enjoyable. The play was very well done, focusing on John's life. Those crying about the lack of Beatles songs are entirely missing the point.

Though some readers may wonder if "he is such a fan he would like anything John related," let me say for the record that this is untrue. Those who know me realize that I am quite honest in all things regarding the Beatles.

For the most part, Yoko was quite fair about the content (outside of leaving May Pang out) and did include the Beatles---- most notably Paul. (Yes, Yoko had control, or it would not have happened.) The nine members of the cast kept the play moving along quite well and ultimately gave an awesome performance. The set was simple yet full at the same time. This show causes the audience to experience a range of emotions from sadness to joy and there is also a lot of honest humor. There are even moments where there is some audience interaction!

Best of all was hearing two very beautiful John Lennon songs, 'India India" and 'I Don't Want to Lose You'. Oh man, I can't believe these were never released.

Afterwards, I spoke to one of the cast members, Marcy Harriell (a wonderful performer who pulled off Elton John in the best way you could IMAGINE.) I told her how great the play was and to not let the critics get her down. In all honesty, you could see that she was hurt and worried about it. I say to hell with the negative reviews!

Anyone considering seeing "Lennon" should go before it's too late. This play is too great of a tribute to John to see it die. All I am saying is......GIVE THIS PLAY A CHANCE.

May 4, 2005

"Lennon: A New Musical in His Own Write" opened in San Francisco on April 12 and is scheduled to run through May 14 before it heads to Broadway this summer. Written and directed by Don Scardino, a self-admitted Beatles and John Lennon fan, the production has the full support and accolades from John's widow, Yoko Ono.

According to the website, www.lennonthemusical.com , this is a "biographical musical that tells the story of John Lennon's life using Lennon's own words and songs." In a Q&A section with Don Scardino, he says "It seemed to me that John's life was a search for his authentic Self." The musical is an attempt to unearth the True John Lennon, his own search for Truth in his life, and the transformations he made as a man, highlighting the love story between John and Yoko.

Yoko Ono has been approached many times in the past for projects like this, but this is the first one she has given her approval for. She even has offered up three previously unpublished Lennon songs: "India, India", "I Don't Want to Lose You", and "Cookin' (In the Kitchen of Love)".

Producer Allan McKeown said in an interview for the Marin County Journal (April 18, 2005) that there were two things about this musical that Yoko really liked that other productions did not offer. The first was that "there wasn't some guy on stage pretending to be John", something that is difficult for any one person to take on. Instead, Scardino gets around this problem by saying "can't we all be John?" and assigning the part to nine different individuals of different ethic backgrounds, to channel John Lennon's spirit as well as everyone else's, on stage. It's a very artsy and provocative concept that was bound to intrigue Yoko's avant-garde style, evoking the "I am he as you are he" idea of one-ness which John promoted. Not to mention the use of the number nine, which was John's favorite number.

Secondly, this production uses John's actual quotes from his life and doesn't make up anything. Scardino said "90% of the dialog is taken from the hundreds of interviews that he and Yoko gave over the years."

It all sounds pretty good. The production however, has generated so much controversy and negative reviews it has been decided by the production team to skip it's originally scheduled Boston run. Instead it is going back to the drawing board for "re-tooling"-- possibly bringing in new writers and new cast members--- before it hits New York. Allan McKeown said April 25th, "We made the decision today to forego our Boston engagement and will instead return to the rehearsal room in New York with our cast and creative team to make the changes that will be beneficial to our show. We look forward to arriving on Broadway with a show that we believe will live up to the legend of John Lennon."

Quotes from several reviews sound like this, and I'll start with the Contra Costa Times from April 21, which went on a gross-a-thon about the "jukebox musical concept": "Imagine Something Awful" "The show is bad….Lennon's life appears to have been hijacked…by Up with People…The Donny and Marie Show….or a Bob Hope Special." It continues with "The Beatles, who receive short-shrift in the show", and slams the biographical accuracy the producer is so proud of with this comment: "revisionism has placed events in Lennon's life out of order." The only good thing about it, according to this review is that there was thankfully still time to make changes before it moves on.

Michael Reidel of the New York Post said on April 22, "Pull the Plug", mincing no words by saying that "Lennon" was "such a mess" that it could close. Variety Magazine got into the act and said "Lennon's life is told with a finger on the fast-forward button…keeping the soul of the man at arm's length…" The San Jose Mercury News said "starting over is the wisest approach" and ended with "let it be….over." The Boston Globe called it only "loosely" biographical. Last but not least, Chloe Veltman of the San Francisco Weekly (www.sfweekly.com May 4) simply calls it a "Lemmon," saying that if someone didn't know who John Lennon was, he'd come away believing that Lennon was "the slightly unkempt and significantly less disciplined half of that most lauded of cultural institutions, the John and Yoko show."

So what's the fuss about? It's basically two things: the lack of Beatles music in a John Lennon musical, which seems like blasphemy; and secondly, the musical's underlying theme, which is to tell the real story about John Lennon's life, ends up another broken promise that caters to the Yoko Ono version of events&emdash;the one we've all heard, which has been hotly debated over the years. The combination of the two perceptions is fatal for the producers and writers who are in a Catch-22 to get Yoko's blessings.

All we can do is summarize the issues and let opinions fall as they will on either side of the fence. It must be noted with great irony that despite John's hope that the "world would live as One", this musical has created the biggest division among Lennon fans I have experienced.

While it does begin with his birth in Liverpool, it sort of flies quickly through his childhood and the Beatles era, settling into the relationship with Yoko and John's solo years where it stays. All the songs are from his solo years except for two songs that the Beatles only covered early on, and none from the Lennon/McCartney catalog.

Katie Hickox, (correspondent for the "What Goes On" website run by Dave Haber) (www.whatgoeson.com) , was outraged at the impression the production gave, that the Beatles were only a minimal part of John's psyche, so minimal that it did not include any Beatles songs whatsoever, and even portrayed the Beatles as women in black little suits. Saying, "The new musical should be called 'All About Yoko'", she railed on the story line that seems to reduce John to nothing.

In the same Q&A section on the "Lennon" website I mentioned before, Don Scardino is asked why there is no Beatles music. His reply was that he felt that John would have wanted to focus on his solo music; that John wasn't "interested in the Beatles"--Also that his solo music was more autobiographical and therefore fit the story better.

I can understand the latter comment-- that actually makes sense-- but not the first. His comment that John wasn't "interested" in the Beatles is silly. John used to send his assistants to Beatlefest conventions regularly to secretly buy back his own memorabilia and records, and loved listening to the music. He used to wear a button that said, "I still love the Beatles."

Cynthia got at least a moment or two with Julian in the script, but she was portrayed as a "twit" with no sense and who admitted that John was better off with Yoko. And Cynthia, as John's first wife, deserves more recognition. After all she saw John through an eleven-year period (as long as Yoko's time) beginning with the formation of the Quarrymen and the entire career of the Beatles. She also gave him a son.

May Pang on the other hand, who was John's personal assistant for almost three years as well as studio assistant, then lived with him for eighteen months during the "Lost Weekend" in LA, then continued to spend time with him until his death, totaling a ten-year friendship---has suffered a complete erasure from the record. Instead, the production implies that John was alone and drop-dead drunk during the whole time he was in L.A., spewing nothing but profanity, since of course he was a blithering idiot without Yoko. It's true that the events in the musical happened, but they were given too much weight at the expense of the positive things that were left out. His mistakes are now replayed over and over, creating a cross for John to bear that he can never live down.

If you have studied John Lennon's life and dug deep enough, by this point the hair would undoubtedly stand up on the back of your neck and generate some inner rage and possibly some uncontrollable shaking. During the time in L.A., yes there were some bad moments, but overall, according to May, it was "his most productive time", not only generating "Walls and Bridges" but working with many of his old friends including the Beatles and getting back to his true love, his music. He did succeed at getting away from the party atmosphere in L.A.

When asked about the unceremonious flushing of May Pang into the delete file, Don Scardino simply told Dave Haber (What Goes On) that it wasn't "relevant" to the story. (Close my mouth before the flies take up residence in my back molars.)

I am reminded of the impression my husband Ron had when he visited the John Lennon Museum outside Tokyo, dedicated by Yoko Ono in 2000. He said the same thing, that while the childhood and Beatles sections are rather small, with no pictures of Cynthia or Julian, the Yoko era is large and bright, with many pictures of her and Sean, and references to John's solo work, as if to say that "Lennon began at Yoko."

The naked truth is that Yoko is the promoter and owner of John's solo legacy and the royalties generated from that work. She is only part owner of the Beatles legacy, and that part she must share with Paul McCartney and be subject to Apple. From her point of view, it's her job as John's widow and the keeper of the Lennon Estate, to keep the part of him that she knew, alive, and promote those songs for future royalties. John may have said "Power to the people", but the truth is really "Power to the widow."

As to the subject of mistresses and ex-wives, I don't know too many wives who relish the idea of remembering them in nice ways, if at all; and Scardino of course understood this before he approached Yoko with sweaty palms and a script he wanted approved. May is no doubt a sore spot for Yoko, one she'd rather not discuss. And if she has any say in how John is remembered, (and she does have most of it), she will do it her way.

So you decide. Despite the controversy, I would love to see the musical if it came to Seattle. Just to honor the spirit of John Lennon's life and be there while his music is being performed. I hear the band is great, and the music is…well, it was pretty damned good if I remember! Even if it is just his solo work, no one ever gets to hear it performed live. So if you can get past the perceived glitches in the story and just enjoy the show as it is, the quality of the show itself is worth seeing, I'm told.

I can't wait to hear about the revised production, can you? The Broadway version is due to begin on June 28, new and improved. So New Yorkers-- be ready to tell us how it goes!

For more information, visit the official Lennon Musical site at: www.lennonthemusical.com

Fan Review of "Lennon", the musical
April 16, 2005 The Orpheum Theatre San Francisco

"Lennon", the musical (book by Don Scardino), music & lyrics by John Lennon was thrilling, humorous and of course sad at the tragic ending of our warrior, our rock & roll singer, our peace activist.

At the start of the play the news footage shows a rocket floating in space announcing that the astronauts had chosen "Imagine" to wake up every morning to, which was very moving. It goes through John's relationship with The Beatles, performed by four women, which prompts us to wonder, why women? One can interpret The Beatles performed by women as a relationship. The Beatles shared a special bond, a friendship and incredible talent that they shared with their women and gave to the world. The choreography is minimal and provides energy to some of the songs, such as "Twist and Shout". We see a glimpse of his painful, joyous and complicated relationship with Yoko Ono.

One has to be open minded to accept songs that we have listened for years, over and over, performed by soulful voices, expressing the music in their own strong vivacious sound. Marcy Harriell has a powerful voice that resonates pain when she sang, "Woman is the Nigger of the World", and Julia Murney, provided a motherly soft soothing, almost a lullaby sound in "Beautiful Boy". Our first thought is to say, 'how dare any one sing Lennon's songs in that manner'. But if you have any inclination of what John strove for in this universe then you have to say, yes "I am he, as you are he, as you are me, and we are altogether".

An ensemble of nine men and women of various ages and ethnic diversity sing John's songs, each giving his or her emotion. The playful and hilarious "I'm Stepping Out" performed by a female as Elton John, gives us a quick insight into John's humor and how fluid he was in his life.

The backdrop provides images during some of the songs, of what is going on at the time, such as John's deportation issue, his long lost year in Los Angeles, and his love for his sons. And yes, his love for Yoko. Perhaps some have not gotten over the idea that he loved this woman, and he formed a life with her. Maybe we want to turn the clock back and have The Beatles stay together forever. "Lennon" the musical shows us that John forged on with life, and he left us the music to enjoy forever. Perhaps we must also forge on, and accept the play as it is presented.

A friend of ours Brendan ran intoYoko near the Dakota, and mentioned to her that a group of us from Los Angeles went to see the musical and that we loved it. Brendan told us that she had a giant grin on her face and was very appreciative of the compliment.

"Imagine"

--Olivia G. Rodriguez and Donna Moreno
Forever Fans

Ears on a Beatle

• Ears on a Beatle: Life, liberty and the pursuit of John Lennon
Off-Broadway play, New York City, NY
www.earsonabeatle.com, played through June 20, 2004.

Photo Credit: Joseph Schuyler

Ears on a Beatle, by Mark St. Germain (Camping With Henry and Tom), is a fascinating new play about two FBI agents who conduct undercover surveillance on John Lennon. This is a thought-provoking look at life, liberty, and privacy in the 70's, when peace and paranoia swept the nation. Then, as now, there were no secrets in America but the truth.

Ears on a Beatle stars Dan Lauria (TV's The Wonder Years) and Bill Dawes (Gross Indecency) who while investigating the Lennon case, come to explore their relationship to each other and to their country.

Review of "Ears on a Beatle"
You don't have to be a Beatles fan to enjoy this intriguing drama about the FBI's activities monitoring John Lennon. Back in the early 1970's, peace activist and former Beatle, John Lennon, was considered a threat to the Nixon administration and their re-election campaign. Ears on a Beatle takes you through the chronology of events in Lennon's life which were closely watched by the U.S. Government, represented by fictional FBI agents Ballantine (Lauria) and McClure (Dawes).

Amazingly with only two characters in the 90 minute play, the playwright manages to contrast both the establishment's views, played convincingly by Dan Lauria as the older agent, with the counterculture youth movement, represented by Bill Dawes as the younger agent.

The facts presented in the play are based on the actual FBI files kept on Lennon that were eventually released to the public led by a campaign by Professor Jon Wiener. The paper trail hits home with the clever set design of stacks and stacks of government file boxes. [The actual documents are on display in the lobby of the theater for further perusal.] Amidst the documented facts presented, conspiracy theories are also hinted at--not only concerning Lennon's life AND death, but the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King.

For Beatles fans hoping to see some kind of visual reference to Lennon, you'll be disappointed. Lennon's presence in the play is that of a third party who is talked about. Furthermore, Lennon's death is addressed with the sound of gunshots that could be disturbing for some fans. However, the messages and/or questions that Ears on a Beatle brings up hold enormous significance in our current political climate which make it a educational and entertaining look at U.S. history and Lennon's life.

--Trina Yannicos
Editor-in-Chief, Daytrippin' Magazine